Alan Wake

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1463 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,165 out of 1463
  2. Mixed: 170 out of 1463
  3. Negative: 128 out of 1463
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DarkKnightG4
    Mar 7, 2014
    9
    Alan Wake is a great mystery/horror/thriller that hits all the right notes in the story, character, and design departments. It is a MUST-PLAY for any Twin Peaks fan.

    Pros: Great, zany characters (with solid voice-work), good mystery story with a nice pay-off at the end, entertaining and 'suspenseful' combat, nice looking (even with age), great soundtrack. Cons: The ending is a    Alan Wake is a great mystery/horror/thriller that hits all the right notes in the story, character, and design departments. It is a MUST-PLAY for any Twin Peaks fan.

    Pros: Great, zany characters (with solid voice-work), good mystery story with a nice pay-off at the end, entertaining and 'suspenseful' combat, nice looking (even with age), great soundtrack.

    Cons: The ending is a semi-cliff hanger and warrants a sequel, enemies become repetitive, while the flashlight mechanic creates a ton of tension in combat, it can become tedious, DLC required to get clearer picture of ending for most.

    Overall, this game is a classic exclusive that everyone should experience (whether on xbox or pc). Unlike some other horror games, solid combat mechanics don't diminish the overall experience. The game has a story to tell and it does it well. 9/10    … Expand
  2. alainwake
    Mar 4, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. REAL good game i must say!! like a thrilling novel to read, loved it! should play it again through soon try it! worth it! you won't regret it!

    SPOILER: MaxPayne is connected to this!!!! cool    … Expand
  3. TheMan769
    Mar 10, 2012
    9
    Great story that has a compelling characters, great voice acting, and the greatest light effect i have seen in a game. But the controls are a little bit bad, the lips aren't sync up right with the voice acting and the coffee thermostats collectibles, are a little bit ridiculous, but a great game for only the Xbox 360 and Games For Windows.
  4. petoria21
    Apr 22, 2012
    9
    After playing all the crappy shooter lately, I have to say, this is not ony a awesome departure from the standard run and gun, but a game that is nearly a masterpiece. This game is very pretty. The tiniest things in the enviorment such as electricity and light/flare effects look beautiful. Alan Wakes in-game character model looks very detailed as well. The story is about a writer namedAfter playing all the crappy shooter lately, I have to say, this is not ony a awesome departure from the standard run and gun, but a game that is nearly a masterpiece. This game is very pretty. The tiniest things in the enviorment such as electricity and light/flare effects look beautiful. Alan Wakes in-game character model looks very detailed as well. The story is about a writer named Alan Wake(LOL)who is suffering from writers block. He and his wife Alice are going on vacation to a small creepy town , Alice gets kidnapped, and he begins getting pages of a manuscript written by him that not only he doesn't remember writing, but is coming true. Now a dark entity has been unleashed and he has to find a way to stop it. As chece' as this sounds, the story is pretty damn good, with fascinating supporting characters like Alan's agent Barry, the FBI agent, and several others. The main character is relateable and likeable as well. There are plenty of twist and turns as well. The best part of Alan Wake however is the gameplay, it is so different than any other game I've other played. Now due to the fact that all of you're enemies are possessed by the dark entity, you have to use light to get rid of the darkness, then use your gun to finish them off. The only thing I don't like about the game is the ending, it is so bad! I am sick of great games having such bad endings. If you love video games and want something different, buy this game. You owe it to yourself.… Expand
  5. happyslug
    Jul 16, 2013
    7
    Alan Wake is a flawed but still enjoyable game.

    The production values are up there with the best the story is good but the mechanics do let it down a bit having to shine a torch at the undead to make them shootable whilst running out of batteries with the undead coming at you from all angles is quite frustrating It did keep me playing to the end but the experience wasn't as    Alan Wake is a flawed but still enjoyable game.

    The production values are up there with the best the story is good but the mechanics do let it down a bit having to shine a torch at the undead to make them shootable whilst running out of batteries with the undead coming at you from all angles is quite frustrating

    It did keep me playing to the end but the experience wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been,    … Expand
  6. sityoazzdown
    Mar 30, 2021
    7
    Good game. Liked it but didn't love it. Fascinating story, let down by gameplay fatigue by the end of the third chapter for me personally, and questionable production values. The story was the best part, and the driving force behind me finishing this. The core gameplay is repetitive, although I felt like the devs did their best to add variety in this world, the core gameplay is still theGood game. Liked it but didn't love it. Fascinating story, let down by gameplay fatigue by the end of the third chapter for me personally, and questionable production values. The story was the best part, and the driving force behind me finishing this. The core gameplay is repetitive, although I felt like the devs did their best to add variety in this world, the core gameplay is still the same throughout. Overall mechanics and graphics are serviceable, but it still feels dated compared to other games. Combat is initially enjoyable, but when that fatigue and repetitiveness hit, it hit hard, and I had to put this game down a couple of times, even though the story hooked me. Combat is basically loot and shoot everything, but make sure it's "defense" is down first with the flashlight. Characters were pretty horror-standard, with barry coming off as pretty cringe. Ending was ok.

    Seen a lot of Xbox fans praising this game, I think it's decent. This game has potential is what it has. If giving a bigger budget, and more gameplay ambition, it could easily blow up to be a big horror ip.    … Expand
  7. captaincesar
    Jun 24, 2012
    10
    I love everything about this game! The story just keeps you wondering and asking questions as to why things are happening. Graphics and game play are great and nothing to complain about. Also has 2 DLC packs for it to make it more interesting. This game will make you think and even probably make you play multiple times to understand it a little better. This game isn't for those looking forI love everything about this game! The story just keeps you wondering and asking questions as to why things are happening. Graphics and game play are great and nothing to complain about. Also has 2 DLC packs for it to make it more interesting. This game will make you think and even probably make you play multiple times to understand it a little better. This game isn't for those looking for something to shoot it. This is for those who want a game that they can not only enjoy but have a good time thinking and figuring out stories. Its kinda like reading the book only your playing as you go along. Try the game out and then decide whether to add to your collection or not.… Expand
  8. Harumpel
    Aug 9, 2012
    7
    The gameplay is pretty shallow, but I liked story and graphics. I've quit that jump'n'run orgy after 2-3 hours. I would recommend it to fans of the genre.
  9. VoidWarrior
    Aug 24, 2012
    9
    Great survival horror game. Gets a bit repetitive at some times, but the story keeps the action going.Unfortunately the real story only concludes in the DLC, which is kind of an abuse, but it's a great game nonetheless.
  10. Rox22
    Jan 30, 2013
    6
    Alan wake is perhaps one of the few true old school survival horrors on the XBox 360. Visually it looks good, story is well written and thought out. Voice acting is good. It does almost everything an adventure or survival horror should. So what's wrong with it. The game's pacing is just far too slow and tries to be too clever for its own good. For people new to the genre, or to this style,Alan wake is perhaps one of the few true old school survival horrors on the XBox 360. Visually it looks good, story is well written and thought out. Voice acting is good. It does almost everything an adventure or survival horror should. So what's wrong with it. The game's pacing is just far too slow and tries to be too clever for its own good. For people new to the genre, or to this style, I guess it would be something to marvel. But above all it really doesn't feel like a game, but more like an interactive movie. To be honest the plot here reminds me allot of the old John Candy movie Delirious, except set in a serious gloomy town. Above all, it isn't interesting. I kind of feel like I'm a part of a Stephen King novel, and like his books there is just far too much filler. Overall: It's a decent enough game that is likely to be more appealing to "fresher" audience. Considering how long it had been in development I had expected a bit more. It is highly likely I had just over-hyped the game for myself and was underwhelmed by the end result, but regardless, that is how I feel.… Expand
  11. Seamus100
    Dec 30, 2013
    7
    At first the story line of the game was interesting. A different type then other FPS games that use all kinds of weapons. This one, even though you did have use of a pistol, shotgun, and flash bang grenades used flash lights, lights, and flares to defeat attackers, but after playing it, it got monotonous. I finished the game just to see if it would pick up the pace. The story line gotAt first the story line of the game was interesting. A different type then other FPS games that use all kinds of weapons. This one, even though you did have use of a pistol, shotgun, and flash bang grenades used flash lights, lights, and flares to defeat attackers, but after playing it, it got monotonous. I finished the game just to see if it would pick up the pace. The story line got boring and game play was repetitive.… Expand
  12. Vanpire73
    Aug 6, 2014
    8
    I really enjoyed this game. It wasn't all that scary and the story wasn't the most coherent, but it's one of those games where everything seems to mesh really well together. It's got a nice creepy Twin Peaks kind of vibe, fun combat, and a bunch of thermoses (thermi?) to collect. Certainly doesn't reinvent any wheels, but the wheels on this game roll just fine.
  13. MDG397
    Apr 4, 2013
    8
    Alan Wake is a very unique game, but also a repetitive one. It has one of the best stories I've heard in a while, and it's told in a unique way similar to television. Instead of doing something like missions or going from point A to point B, the game's played in episodes. There are six episodes and each episode is about two to three hours long. When you start each episode, there's a shortAlan Wake is a very unique game, but also a repetitive one. It has one of the best stories I've heard in a while, and it's told in a unique way similar to television. Instead of doing something like missions or going from point A to point B, the game's played in episodes. There are six episodes and each episode is about two to three hours long. When you start each episode, there's a short cutscene that goes "previously on Alan Wake" just like you see on TV that recaps important plot points from the previous episode. The gameplay is good except for the fact that it can get pretty repetitive after a while, I thought that it was fun at the beginning but I got a little bored towards the end of the game. The combat was a bit too easy and ammo and other supplies were too common. I still found the combat to be satisfying when you killed all enemies and the game's brightness lit up and it went into slow motion for a short time and you could just watch the last enemy disappear. The story is what kept me engaged to finish the game. It would be easy to recommend Alan Wake to someone who likes a game with a great story, but not to someone who likes action. Either way, I really enjoyed it and I loved the story.… Expand
  14. Xleft4theDEADxX
    Nov 27, 2013
    8
    Simply one of my favorite games of all time. Beautiful to look at, wonderful soundtrack, likable characters, fast paced (though sometimes repetitive) gameplay, gripping atmosphere and an overall good story make this game one hell of a trip. I didn't follow the hype, I just enjoyed the game for what it was. And that's one of the most memorable games I have ever played, the replayability isSimply one of my favorite games of all time. Beautiful to look at, wonderful soundtrack, likable characters, fast paced (though sometimes repetitive) gameplay, gripping atmosphere and an overall good story make this game one hell of a trip. I didn't follow the hype, I just enjoyed the game for what it was. And that's one of the most memorable games I have ever played, the replayability is very high.
    However, there is some nitpicking to do, like the sometimes repetitive gameplay (especially noticeable during long gameplay sessions) and that you're mostly outnumbered by the enemies (but that makes the thrill). Otherwise I can't really think of many negative points for Alan Wake. I replayed it surely 6 times, have over hundreds of hours of gameplay spent on it, have it completed to 100% even with the DLC and it's just fun to pick it up again after a long time and enjoy it all over again. A really special game. Great work, Remedy. I will remember you for this.    … Expand
  15. shprea
    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    If you're looking for a unique game on the 360, this is definitely one to pick up. The narrative is engrossing (except for the ending), the graphics are dark yet vibrant when light comes out, and the sound direction is among the best I've ever heard. While the atmosphere is unsettling, it's never really scary. I wish this game had adopted elements of a survival horror game. It's more of aIf you're looking for a unique game on the 360, this is definitely one to pick up. The narrative is engrossing (except for the ending), the graphics are dark yet vibrant when light comes out, and the sound direction is among the best I've ever heard. While the atmosphere is unsettling, it's never really scary. I wish this game had adopted elements of a survival horror game. It's more of a light thriller than a horror game.
    Give this game a shot. It's really pretty cool.    … Expand
  16. Afsan
    Mar 12, 2013
    9
    Alan wake does what other horror games in this generation can't. It keeps you on your toes throughout the 12-15 hour single player. It's so well paced and well thought out that it will always bring you back for more. With great horror segments and the occasional one liner which will make you chuckle, this game has blended all the great aspects together which make a good single playerAlan wake does what other horror games in this generation can't. It keeps you on your toes throughout the 12-15 hour single player. It's so well paced and well thought out that it will always bring you back for more. With great horror segments and the occasional one liner which will make you chuckle, this game has blended all the great aspects together which make a good single player memorable, one of the best psychological thrillers out there, if not the best horror game to be out to this year even now in 2013. All i can say is...when will we visit Bright falls again?… Expand
  17. houyi111
    Jul 29, 2013
    8
    An excellent game, feels fresh and unique. The first ten minutes were quite scary, but the rest of the game was not scary at all. I won't call this a horror game. I can't stop playing the game, finish it in two days and never feel bored or rushed. However, the ending to me is not good enough and it decreases the replay value for me. I give this game a solid 7, but since Remedy is a FinnishAn excellent game, feels fresh and unique. The first ten minutes were quite scary, but the rest of the game was not scary at all. I won't call this a horror game. I can't stop playing the game, finish it in two days and never feel bored or rushed. However, the ending to me is not good enough and it decreases the replay value for me. I give this game a solid 7, but since Remedy is a Finnish company and I live in Finland, so one point for that.… Expand
  18. WelshNathan
    Apr 5, 2013
    10
    When people talk about 360 exclusives they usually dismiss this game but they really shouldn't as this is truly one of the best Xbox 360 exclusive out...the story alone holds the weight if this game with the story making you carry on playing, desperate to know what's gonna happen next...the combat is pretty fun and I also like the tv show styling of the game...any one with a 360 should getWhen people talk about 360 exclusives they usually dismiss this game but they really shouldn't as this is truly one of the best Xbox 360 exclusive out...the story alone holds the weight if this game with the story making you carry on playing, desperate to know what's gonna happen next...the combat is pretty fun and I also like the tv show styling of the game...any one with a 360 should get this game… Expand
  19. Polish_Infidel
    Apr 7, 2013
    7
    Interesting entry into the survival horror video game world. The story is interesting enough considering how absurd it is, even for a video game. The gameplay gets very repetitive near the end and by the time I was playing the DLC, I just felt like I was grinding through it to see the end. Not worth the original retail price, but definitely worth the $20 it costs now. Pretty easy gameInteresting entry into the survival horror video game world. The story is interesting enough considering how absurd it is, even for a video game. The gameplay gets very repetitive near the end and by the time I was playing the DLC, I just felt like I was grinding through it to see the end. Not worth the original retail price, but definitely worth the $20 it costs now. Pretty easy game to get achievements on if that is your thing.… Expand
  20. ERB
    Sep 23, 2013
    9
    This game is truly a work of art.Remedy again made another masterpiece after creating MP1 and MP2.This game really focuses on the story,the story of this game is really good and also the action or game play is really enjoyable plus satisfying.And not just that the game really thrilling and scary I mean before I start to play Alan Wake I make sure that every lights in my room is openThis game is truly a work of art.Remedy again made another masterpiece after creating MP1 and MP2.This game really focuses on the story,the story of this game is really good and also the action or game play is really enjoyable plus satisfying.And not just that the game really thrilling and scary I mean before I start to play Alan Wake I make sure that every lights in my room is open because this game made me realize that the darkness is really disturbing or scary.But even though I enjoyed this game I think there is something that is missing.According to the creators this game was supposed to be an Open World game.Okay at first It was okay for me to not start adventuring Alan Wake's world.I can wait until the game ends.Then when I thought I can go have an adventure It didn't happen.After finishing the game the only thing you can do is to repeat all the missions in order to play.That part really disappointed me.

    And a word of advice to you creators If you will make Alan Wake 2 please promise me and your fans to make it an open world game.That will make us very happy and satisfy.    … Expand
  21. xshadowscreamx
    Jun 1, 2013
    8
    nailed the atmosphere of a decent horror novel and if your a Stephen king fan or a twin peaks fan. this is for you. also any fan of horror and story telling. there is not much verity in enemy's but the game does not outstay its welcome.
  22. Shortstack_519
    Jun 19, 2013
    7
    It was fun, it just got a bit old to me. The story was interesting, but the whole time I did not know where it was trying to go with it. To honest none of the characters were really memorable. It was fun but I would have to say there are many other games that Xbox has to offer that are way better.
  23. ernuk
    Aug 8, 2013
    8
    After playing through Alan Wake, I'm no longer afraid of the dark. For a supposed psychological horror title, that's pretty bad. But despite this, I liked it. I waited this game for years. The prime reason I actually got myself an Xbox 360 was because I heard this one was going to be an exclusive. I got it on the release day and expected and wanted it to be a 10/10 game. I was prettyAfter playing through Alan Wake, I'm no longer afraid of the dark. For a supposed psychological horror title, that's pretty bad. But despite this, I liked it. I waited this game for years. The prime reason I actually got myself an Xbox 360 was because I heard this one was going to be an exclusive. I got it on the release day and expected and wanted it to be a 10/10 game. I was pretty disappointed when it was only an 8, but these things happen.

    My first impressions were great. The game looked pretty good and the setting and the atmosphere were great, plus I loved the Twin Peaks references. There's also the traditional Remedy storytelling, which as you might guess is something I greatly appreciate.

    Then the plot kicks in. You find yourself running around in dark forests chased by shadowy enemies than are sensitive to light (and bullets). The gameplay is solid enough, but here's where the problems start. It is, as almost all games today are, a tunnel. Aside from very minor sidepaths, there are no alternate routes or anything. This is pretty disheartening considering the game was supposed to have an open world. Not to mention only having a single path through an entire forest feels pretty dumb.

    Then there's the main character. In a traditional horror fashion, he's portrayed as slow and weak. However, the control scheme is simply too effective. After playing for a while, I realized not a single enemy can ever touch me. A few hours from that, I realized you can pretty much predict all the jump-scares by observing the environment. On a side note, upping the difficulty didn't make the game any harder for me. There are other issues as well, for example the game wanting so badly to be a TV show instead and the shortness of it.

    The plot was pretty nice overall. Even though I've seen other people complain about how it ends, I thought it was pretty fitting. I thought a more open like this is better suited for "a psychological horror" title anyways. The collectibles in this game also deserve a special mention. While there are maybe too many of them, especially considering most of them are really pointless, the book pages that give vague hints of what's about to happen next were a great addition. I feel I need to mention that the extra pages that only appear on the toughest difficulty were the biggest disappointment in the game, though.

    I may have voiced a lot of criticisms, but despite all that, I still played the game through multiple times, collecting everything and so on. It wasn't anywhere near a perfect product, but it was fun and the atmosphere was still great.
    As for the DLCs, while I think they offer some worth, I also think they're like DLCs usually are, which is to say boring. They do more of what the core game does, except everything about it is slightly worse.    … Expand
  24. Joneseybuy
    Oct 31, 2013
    6
    Maybe if this game didn't have such a raging stiffy for Stephen King and Rambo, this game could have been very good. This game was a missed opportunity with poor characters you don't care about (Barry!) and a very difficult story to follow. This game did have a good atmosphere but only in dark forests, other than that it was just a bland repetitive shooter after a couple of hours givingMaybe if this game didn't have such a raging stiffy for Stephen King and Rambo, this game could have been very good. This game was a missed opportunity with poor characters you don't care about (Barry!) and a very difficult story to follow. This game did have a good atmosphere but only in dark forests, other than that it was just a bland repetitive shooter after a couple of hours giving you unlimited ammo and pretty easy, not scary enemies that were as predictable as burnt toast. As I said, better story, better characters and maybe more survival based combat this game could have been awesome, but it failed, badly.… Expand
  25. joao1198pedro
    Oct 27, 2013
    9
    this is the best terror game i ever played in my hole life,the only problem of this game are the guns (wich exist less thanany game) and he isn´t an open world game.
  26. JahAaroneSp
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    Mi videojuego favorito de la generación X360/PS3/Wii. Lo recomiendo sí o sí. La historia atrapa y engancha hasta el final y difícilmente la olvidas sobre todo si amas el género Thriller/Terror.
  27. huss2215
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    I enjoyed this game on my Xbox 360 back when I purchased it from Gamestop. I give this game a good review of 9.3 out of 10. I can recommend you to buy this.
  28. Devilmusik11
    Nov 25, 2013
    7
    All in all, Alan Wake is a great game with a really captivating story. It's one of those movie-esque games (not to be confused with movie license games....Those things are that really engages you with its plot. Anyway, to get to the point, here is what I really enjoyed about Alan Wake:
    -An amazing story that's complicated and mature
    -Mostly interesting characters (granted, there are    All in all, Alan Wake is a great game with a really captivating story. It's one of those movie-esque games (not to be confused with movie license games....Those things are that really engages you with its plot. Anyway, to get to the point, here is what I really enjoyed about Alan Wake:
    -An amazing story that's complicated and mature
    -Mostly interesting characters (granted, there are exceptions to this).
    -A unique combat system with the flash light, flares and guns.
    -Some down right amazing environments.
    -A superb soundtrack with Poets of the Fall being one of the featured artists.
    Now here are my cons:
    -Some pretty bad lip syncing and character models. I think the characters had a lot of potential to look good but it just didn't really work out.
    -Extremely repetitive gameplay. I mean, you'll basically be running through levels trying to not get killed by the same enemies over and over. Fun for a while but it does get old...
    -A pretty confusing ending    … Expand
  29. LostNexusGamer
    Jul 20, 2014
    9
    This game is not a masterpiece, but superb in many ways. The story's confusing time to time, but that's what made this thriller great. The mechanics worked fine, and the graphics for its age are stunning. My only con on the game is each chapter seemed to drag out. Some would say the gameplay was repetitive (which it is) but I didn't care so much while playing the game. This is a game thatThis game is not a masterpiece, but superb in many ways. The story's confusing time to time, but that's what made this thriller great. The mechanics worked fine, and the graphics for its age are stunning. My only con on the game is each chapter seemed to drag out. Some would say the gameplay was repetitive (which it is) but I didn't care so much while playing the game. This is a game that had me hooked most of the time till the end. It may not vary from other 3rd person games, but it sure does offer a new feeling.… Expand
  30. Engineer1
    Sep 19, 2021
    10
    Если коротко то эта самая атмосферная и интересная игра в которую я когда либо играл :)
Page:

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. Meristation
    90
    Alan Wake is finally here, and it's as good as we expected. Rich environments, great story, superb gameplay, many areas to explore, interesting characters... A great game that is not the ambitious project Remedy wanted it to be, but it's glorious anyway.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer Spain
    80
    Alan Wake lacks that little spark of genious that distinguishes a good game from a masterpiece, an H.P. Lovecraft from your average Stephen King.
    Read full review
  3. Computer and Video Games
    90
    While its not the generation defining game the epic development schedule might've hyped, Alan Wake is still a fantastic, 10-hour-plus play-it-on-the-couch linear action game - with brains required or not depending on your preference.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »